Portillo’s is now open for business in Avondale, a little earlier than first reported.

After multiple vehicles were spotted July 17 in the drive-thru and parking lot of Portillo's in Avondale, 10331 W. McDowell Road, Daily Independent inquired about the heavy presence. Director of New Restaurant Openings Jeff Deppe had initially said the location would open Aug. 15. We're still two weeks way.

A spokeswoman told Daily Independent that recently hired staff had been going through drive-thru training in preparation for the mid-August opening.

But on Thursday, Daily Independent called the Avondale location, and an employee said Portillo's is indeed been open. A "grand opening" appears to be set for Aug. 15.

The Avondale location is the 61st to have opened, and is the third full restaurant in the Valley, joining Tempe and Scottsdale. Portillo's has a stand at Chase Field in Phoenix.

The Avondale location expected to hire between 150 and 200 employees.

Portillo's Avondale is southwest of the intersection of 103rd Avenue and McDowell Road, next to Starbucks and Jersey Mike's Subs, and near Main Event.

According to its Fun Facts & Figures, Portillo’s employs about 6,000 people and produces 200,000 pounds of Italian beef each week between its commissaries in Addison and Aurora, both in Illinois.